Salem mayor fights city's attempt to oust him

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. -- Salem Mayor Don Stamm is fighting a bid by the city to oust him from office.City Council declared Stamm ineligible to serve as mayor in August, claiming he doesn't live in the city.

In a petition filed in Harrison County Circuit Court, Stamm's lawyer contends that the mayor is eligible because he listed a Salem address for his voter's registration.The Exponent Telegram says an Oct. 2 hearing is set on Stamm's petition.Meanwhile, the council rebuffed Stamm's attempt to participate in a meeting Tuesday night. At the request of Councilwoman Laurie McKown, City Manager Joe Davis asked Police Chief Robert Willis to remove Stamm from the mayor's seat. Davis said Stamm could remain at the council table. But the mayor said he would sit in the audience.